Eugene W. Goodsell, 85 of rural Freeport, died peacefully at home with family surrounding him on Monday, February 5, 2024.  He was born January 11, 1939 in Freeport to Wilbur and Ivah (Bastian) Goodsell.  He graduated from Freeport High School in 1958 where he was an FFA member.  He married Phyllis Trickel on September 1, 1963 at First Lutheran Church Freeport.

Gene was a lifetime member of Bolton Community Church (formerly Van Brocklin United Methodist Church) and served the church in many different capacities through the years.  He was also a member of the Stephenson County Farm Bureau and volunteered as a fireman with Freeport Rural Fire Department.  While working at Burgess Battery for two years, followed by 37 years at Micro Switch, his love for farming and sheep filled his days and nights from little on up until just the last few years of his life. He enjoyed tractor pulls, vintage cars, country and gospel music, dancing, going to the movies, roller skating and Johnny Carson.

Gene is survived by his wife, Phyllis of rural Freeport, 2 daughters, Nancy (Stanley) Friedly of Juda, WI and LaVonne (Todd) Dietmeier of Pearl City.  His legacy also includes 3 grandchildren, Malissabeth (Matthew) Roe of LaFarge, WI, Chet Dietmeier of Pearl City, Almanzo Friedly of Monroe, WI and a great grandson, Aidan Roe.  He also has a brother, Marvin (Joyce) Goodsell of Rockford. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Services will be held on Saturday, February 17 with a visitation beginning at 9:30am and a service to follow at 11:30am all at Walker Mortuary.  His final resting place will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in his name.  Condolences can be left for the family at www.walkermortuary.com.